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Subject Complements – Quiz 1
Subject Complements Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and understand subject complements in sentences, including linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and their roles. It also assesses knowledge of verb types and subject-verb agreement.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
In the sentence 'The flowers smell sweet, ' the word 'smell' is a linking verb.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the sentence "The flowers smell sweet," the word 'smell' functions as a linking verb because it connects the subject "flowers" to a complement that describes their state, which is "sweet." Linking verbs are used to link the subject of a sentence with a noun or adjective that renames or describes the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. 'Smell' in this context acts as a linking verb by connecting the subject "flowers" to the complement "sweet."
Option B:
Incorrect. 'Smell' is not an action verb but a linking verb here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
2.
Which word best completes the sentence:'The soup ..... cold.'
A) Are.
B) Seems.
C) Be.
D) Is.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The soup ..... cold." requires a verb that describes the state of the soup, which is its temperature. In this context, "is" (Option D) correctly functions as a linking verb to connect the subject "soup" with the adjective "cold," completing the predicate.
- Option A: "Are" is incorrect because it does not agree in number with the singular subject "soup."
- Option B: "Seems" implies an opinion or appearance, which is not appropriate for stating a factual temperature.
- Option C: "Be" is a base form of the verb and cannot stand alone to complete the sentence; it needs to be conjugated (e.g., "is").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to subject-verb agreement.
Option B:
Incorrect as it implies an opinion, not a factual statement.
Option C:
Incorrect because it is the base form and needs conjugation.
Option D:
Correct as it properly links the subject with its state.
3.
Alison sounded unhappy on the phone.
A) Indirect Object.
B) Predicate Adjective.
C) Predicate Nominative.
D) Direct Object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Alison sounded unhappy on the phone" contains a predicate adjective, which is used to describe the subject (Alison). In this case, "unhappy" modifies Alison and provides more information about her state or condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Indirect Object - Incorrect. An indirect object receives the action of a verb but is not directly affected by it.
Option B:
Predicate Adjective - Correct. "Unhappy" describes Alison, making it a predicate adjective.
Option C:
Predicate Nominative - Incorrect. A predicate nominative renames or reidentifies the subject of the sentence.
Option D:
Direct Object - Incorrect. The direct object receives the action of the verb and answers the question "what" or "whom".
4.
Identify the subject complement. Her dream is to become a doctor.
A) Is.
B) Doctor.
C) Dream.
D) Become.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject complement in a sentence is the part that renames or describes the subject. In "Her dream is to become a doctor," "to become a doctor" renames or describes what her dream is, making it the subject complement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is - This is the linking verb but not the subject complement.
Option B:
Doctor - Incorrect; "doctor" is part of a phrase that acts as the subject complement, specifically an infinitive phrase starting with "to become."
Option C:
Dream - This is the subject of the sentence, not the subject complement.
Option D:
Become - Part of the infinitive phrase "to become a doctor," which acts as the subject complement.
5.
Complete the sentence:During the test, I became ..... about the results.
A) Nervous.
B) Unsure.
C) Excited.
D) Sure.
Show Answer
Explanations:
During the test, I became nervous about the results. This is a common reaction when one's performance is being evaluated, and there can be anxiety associated with waiting for outcomes that may impact future opportunities or self-perception.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Nervousness is a natural response to test results due to the potential consequences of the outcome.
Option B:
Incorrect. Unsure does not capture the emotional state typically associated with waiting for test results, which often involves anxiety rather than uncertainty about one's knowledge or skills.
Option C:
Incorrect. Excited is less likely in a testing context unless it’s a positive test (e.g., passing) and even then, nervousness might still be present due to the stakes involved.
Option D:
Incorrect. Sure implies confidence or certainty about the results, which contradicts the typical emotional state during an ongoing test where outcomes are not yet known.
6.
Complete the sentence:After the storm, the sky ..... clear.
A) Became.
B) Becomes.
C) Become.
D) Becoming.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "After the storm, the sky ... clear" requires a verb that agrees with the subject "the sky." In this context, "became" is correct because it indicates a change from one state to another and properly agrees with the singular subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Became" is the past tense of "become," indicating a completed action in the past, suitable for describing the sky clearing after a storm.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Becomes" is the third-person singular present form and does not fit the past context of the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Become" is the base form of the verb and requires an auxiliary to be used in a past tense construction, making it unsuitable here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Becoming" is the present participle and does not fit as it describes an ongoing action rather than a completed change.
7.
The squirrel leaped into a tree.Leaped is a .....
A) Action verb.
B) Linking verb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Leaped" in the sentence "The squirrel leaped into a tree" describes an action performed by the subject, "the squirrel." Therefore, it is classified as an action verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Leaped" is an action verb that describes what the squirrel does.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Leaped" is not a linking verb, which connects the subject to additional information about it (e.g., "The squirrel is leaping").
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
8.
What type of subject complement is option in the sentence? Mark's idea is an option to consider.
A) Predicate pronoun.
B) Predicate adjective.
C) Predicate noun.
D) Direct object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject complement in the sentence "Mark's idea is an option to consider" functions as a predicate noun, identifying what Mark's idea is. It directly names or renames the subject (Mark's idea).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Predicate pronoun - Incorrect; it does not replace the subject.
Option B:
Predicate adjective - Incorrect; it would describe rather than name the subject.
Option C:
Predicate noun - Correct; it names what the subject is.
Option D:
Direct object - Incorrect; the direct object would receive the action of the verb, which is not the case here.
9.
Which word is the subject complement in this sentence:'The winner of the race was she.'?
A) Winner.
B) Was.
C) She.
D) Race.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject complement in a sentence is a word or phrase that follows the linking verb and renames or describes the subject. In the sentence "The winner of the race was she," the linking verb "was" connects to "she," which renames or describes the subject "the winner of the race." Therefore, "she" is the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Winner - This is part of the subject but not a complement.
Option B:
Was - This is the linking verb, not the subject complement.
Option C:
She - This renames or describes the subject and is thus the correct answer.
Option D:
Race - This is part of the subject but not a complement.
10.
Transitive or Intransitive?The Rams are from Los Angeles.
A) Transitive.
B) Intransitive.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Intransitive verbs do not take a direct object, meaning the sentence does not require a noun or pronoun to complete its meaning. The verb "are" in this sentence is linking the subject "The Rams" with their origin "from Los Angeles." Since there is no direct object following the verb, it is an intransitive sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Transitive - Incorrect. The sentence does not have a direct object.
Option B:
Intransitive - Correct. The sentence lacks a direct object and the verb "are" is linking the subject with additional information.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect. Only intransitive applies here.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Intransitive is correct.
11.
Identify the subject complement. India is the location where the diamond was originally mined.
A) Diamond.
B) Mined.
C) Originally.
D) Location.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject complement in the sentence "India is the location where the diamond was originally mined" is "location." It provides more information about the subject, India, by specifying its role or identity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Diamond - This is not a subject complement; it's the direct object of the sentence.
Option B:
Mined - This verb phrase describes an action and is part of the predicate, but not the subject complement.
Option C:
Originally - This adverb modifies the verb "mined" and does not function as a subject complement.
Option D:
Location - Correct. It renames or describes the subject India in terms of its role or identity.
12.
In the sentence 'The sky is blue.', what is the subject complement?
A) Blue.
B) Sky.
C) Is.
D) The.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Subject complement: A word or phrase that follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject. In "The sky is blue.", 'blue' describes the subject 'sky', making it the subject complement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. 'Blue' renames or describes the subject 'sky'.
Option B:
Incorrect. 'Sky' is the subject, not the subject complement.
Option C:
Incorrect. 'Is' is a linking verb, not part of the subject complement.
Option D:
Incorrect. 'The' is an article, not part of the subject complement.
13.
Does this sentence contain an action verb or a linking verb?The thunder was loud and scary.
A) Action Verb.
B) Linking Verb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The thunder was loud and scary" contains a linking verb. The verb "was" connects the subject "thunder" to the adjectives "loud" and "scary," describing its state or quality, which is characteristic of linking verbs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. This sentence does not contain an action verb.
Option B:
Correct. The verb "was" functions as a linking verb by connecting the subject to its description.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one of the options is correct for this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the given options.
14.
It was so hot yesterday.Hot is the .....
A) Predicate noun.
B) Predicate adjective.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Hot is the" in the sentence describes a state or condition of the weather, which modifies the subject "It." In English grammar, such a description is known as a predicate adjective because it comes after the linking verb (in this case, "was") and provides more information about the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Predicate noun - Incorrect. A predicate noun names or renames the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Predicate adjective - Correct. It describes a quality or state of the subject "It."
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect. Only one option is correct in this context.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. One of the options (B) is correct.
15.
Choose the correct linking verb:The teacher ..... always patient with us.
A) Is.
B) Has.
C) Are.
D) Have.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The teacher is always patient with us" uses the linking verb "is." The subject complement, which describes the subject (the teacher), is "always patient."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Is" links the subject "teacher" to the predicate adjective "patient."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Has" indicates possession, not a state of being.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Are" is plural and does not match the singular subject "teacher." It also implies a state of being rather than possession or action.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Have" indicates possession, not a state of being.
16.
Identify the linking verb in this sentence:'The room became quiet.'
A) The.
B) Became.
C) Room.
D) Quiet.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The linking verb in the sentence "The room became quiet" is
B) Became.
A linking verb connects the subject to a word that describes the state of the subject, such as an adjective or a noun. In this case, "became" links "room" to "quiet," indicating a change in the state of the room.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The is not a linking verb; it is a determiner that specifies which room we are referring to.
Option B:
Correct. Became functions as a linking verb, showing a change in the state of the subject (the room).
Option C:
Room is the subject of the sentence and not a linking verb itself.
Option D:
Quiet is a predicate adjective that follows the linking verb "became," describing the state of the room.
17.
That ghost appears kind and gentle.
A) Action Verb.
B) Linking Verb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "kind and gentle" in the sentence functions as a subject complement, specifically an adjective complement that describes the subject "That ghost." It provides additional information about the state of the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Action Verb. Incorrect; it does not describe an action.
Option B:
Linking Verb. Correct; it connects the subject to its complement, describing its state.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect; "kind and gentle" is not an action verb or all of the options.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect; "kind and gentle" fits as a linking verb.
18.
What part of the sentence is a subject complement? The African Alexandrite is a beautiful gem.
A) The noun at the start of the sentence.
B) A beautiful gem.
C) African Alexandrite.
D) The action of the verb.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject complement in the sentence "The African Alexandrite is a beautiful gem" is
B) A beautiful gem.
This term describes or renames the subject, which is "African Alexandrite." In this context, "a beautiful gem" provides additional information about what the African Alexandrite is.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The noun at the start of the sentence refers to the subject, not the complement.
Option B:
Correct. It describes or renames the subject "African Alexandrite."
Option C:
This is the subject, not a complement.
Option D:
The action of the verb does not apply here as there is no direct verb in this sentence structure.
19.
Which is a correct subject complement?
A) The winner is he.
B) The winner is him.
C) The winner is runs.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Subject complements are used to describe the subject of a sentence, often following linking verbs such as "is," "are," "am," "was," "were," "becomes," and "seems." In option A, "The winner is he," "he" functions as a subject complement, describing who the winner is. This makes it correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "He" describes the subject "winner."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Him" is an object pronoun and cannot be a subject complement.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Runs" is a verb, not a noun or pronoun that can function as a subject complement.
Option D:
Not needed since Option A is correct.
20.
Choose the Compound Subject Complement-As a boy Leonardo was handsome and charming.
A) Leonardo was.
B) Handsome and charming.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The compound subject complement in the sentence "As a boy Leonardo was handsome and charming" is "handsome and charming." This phrase describes the state or quality of Leonardo, serving as the complement to the linking verb "was."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Leonardo was" does not represent the subject complement.
Option B:
Correct. "Handsome and charming" is the compound subject complement describing Leonardo's state or quality.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option includes Option A, which is wrong.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are incorrect; thus, this is also not correct.
21.
Complete the sentence:'This soup smells ..... '
A) Good.
B) Goodly.
C) Better.
D) Well.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "good" functions as a subject complement in this sentence, describing the state of the soup's smell. It directly modifies the subject "this soup," providing additional information about its quality.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Good" serves as a predicate adjective to describe the state of the soup's smell.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Goodly" is an archaic form and not commonly used in modern English for this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Better" compares two states, which does not fit the context of describing a single state or quality.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Well" is an adverb and would modify a verb, not directly describe the smell in this sentence structure.
22.
What is the direct object?:Barb handed Dax a dry towel.
A) Barb.
B) Dax.
C) A dry towel.
D) Handed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The direct object in the sentence "Barb handed Dax a dry towel" is
C) A dry towel.
The direct object receives the action of the verb, which in this case is "handed." Barb handed (action) Dax (indirect object) a dry towel (direct object).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Barb - This is the subject performing the action.
Option B:
Dax - This is the indirect object receiving the action indirectly, to whom the direct object was handed.
Option C:
A dry towel - This receives the action of being handed and is therefore the direct object.
Option D:
Handed - This is the verb in its past tense form, not the direct object.
23.
The soup became .....
A) Cold.
B) Happy.
C) Tall.
D) Fast.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject complement in the sentence "The soup became cold" is "cold," which describes a state of the subject, "the soup." This fits the definition of a subject complement, as it completes the predicate by describing or renaming the subject. The other options do not fit this role.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Describes the state of the soup.
Option B:
Incorrect. Adjectives cannot describe states in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Height is a physical attribute, not a state complement.
Option D:
Incorrect. Speed is a physical attribute, not a state complement.
24.
Choose the correct linking verb:'The flowers ..... beautiful in the garden.'
A) Is.
B) Smell.
C) Are.
D) Look.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The linking verb "are" is correct because it connects the subject "flowers" to a complement that describes their state or appearance, which in this case is "beautiful." In English grammar, a linking verb links the subject of a sentence with a word that provides more information about the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is - Incorrect. Singular subject requires singular verb.
Option B:
Smell - Incorrect. "Smell" is an action verb, not a linking verb.
Option C:
Are - Correct. It properly links the plural subject to its complement "beautiful."
Option D:
Look - Incorrect. While "look" can be used as a linking verb, it is less common in this context compared to "are." The sentence structure suggests a more general description.
25.
Which word is the predicate nominative in the sentence: "His favorite subject is mathematics."
A) Mathematics.
B) Subject.
C) Is.
D) Favorite.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The predicate nominative in a sentence is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject. In "His favorite subject is mathematics," "mathematics" renames "his favorite subject." Thus, it functions as the predicate nominative.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Mathematics" renames "favorite subject."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Subject" is part of the phrase but not a noun renaming the subject.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Is" is a linking verb, not a noun or pronoun.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Favorite" modifies "subject," it does not rename the subject.
26.
Complete the sentence:The flowers ..... in the garden.
A) Appear.
B) Are.
C) Grow.
D) Smell.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The flowers ... in the garden" is describing a state of being, which fits the definition of a subject complement. In this context, "appear" (Option A) correctly describes how the flowers are perceived by someone observing them. It indicates that the flowers seem to be present or visible.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the state of being perceived.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Are" is a linking verb but does not describe the state of being in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Grow" describes an action, not a state of being.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Smell" describes an action and sensory perception, not the state of being in the garden.
27.
Which sentence uses seem as a linking verb?
A) He seems tired.
B) He seems the ball.
C) He seems quickly.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the sentence "He seems tired," "seems" is used as a linking verb, followed by the adjective "tired" to describe the subject "He." This correctly uses "seems" to connect the subject with additional information about its state or condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Seems" is used as a linking verb, and "tired" is an adjective describing the subject's state.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Seems" cannot be followed by a direct object like "the ball." It requires a complement to describe the subject's state or condition.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Seems" is not followed by an adverb, but rather an adjective ("tired") that describes the subject's state.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is correct.
28.
Which of the following is a subject complement? A) Ran B) Is happy C) In the park
A) Is happy.
B) Ran.
C) Jumped.
D) In the park.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Subject complements are words or phrases that follow a linking verb and provide more information about the subject of the sentence, describing or renaming it. In "Is happy," "happy" is a predicate adjective following the linking verb "is," thus serving as a subject complement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Is happy" functions as a subject complement.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Ran" is a predicate adjective, not a subject complement.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Jumped" is also a predicate verb, not a subject complement.
Option D:
Incorrect. "In the park" is a prepositional phrase, not a subject complement.
29.
True or False:In the sentence 'The dessert tasted too sweet.', 'tasted' is an action verb.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the sentence 'The dessert tasted too sweet.', the verb 'tasted' is not an action verb, but rather a linking verb. Linking verbs connect the subject to additional information about the subject, such as its state or condition. In this case, 'tasted' links 'dessert' to the state of being 'too sweet'.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because 'tasted' is a linking verb, not an action verb.
Option B:
Correct. 'Tasted' functions as a linking verb in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect; the correct answer is provided by Option B.
Option D:
Incorrect since there is a correct option (B).
30.
Select the correct linking verb and subject complement in the sentence: "The cake smells wonderful."
A) Linking verb:cake; Subject complement:smells.
B) Linking verb:wonderful; Subject complement:cake.
C) Linking verb:smells; Subject complement:cake.
D) Linking verb:smells; Subject complement:wonderful.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The cake smells wonderful" contains a linking verb and a subject complement. The linking verb is "smells," which connects the subject "cake" to the adjective "wonderful," acting as the subject complement, providing additional information about the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because "cake" is not a linking verb; it's the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect because "wonderful" is an adjective acting as the subject complement, not a linking verb.
Option C:
Incorrect because "smells" is the linking verb that connects "cake" to its subject complement "wonderful."
Option D:
Correct. "Smells" is the linking verb and "wonderful" is the subject complement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a subject complement in English grammar?
A subject complement in English grammar is a word or phrase that follows the linking verb and renames or describes the subject of the sentence. It provides more information about who or what the subject is.
How does an action verb differ from a subject complement?
An action verb describes something that a person, place, thing, or idea does. A subject complement, on the other hand, follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject without indicating any action.
Can you give an example of a predicate nominative in a sentence?
Certainly! In the sentence "The teacher is a mentor," 'a mentor' is the predicate nominative, which serves as the subject complement by renaming what the subject (teacher) is.
What role does a direct object play in relation to action verbs?
A direct object receives the action of an action verb. It answers the question 'what' or 'whom' the subject is acting upon, but it is not related to subject complements.
Why are subject complements important in sentence structure?
Subject complements are crucial as they provide essential information about the state or identity of the subject, helping to complete the meaning of the sentence and giving readers a clearer understanding of what is being described.